Ryan Giggs holds talks over Manchester United future with Ed Woodward

Ryan Giggs has held talks with Manchester United chief Ed Woodward over his future role at Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal edges closer to being appointed as manager.

Giggs was installed as interim boss for the final four games of the season following the sacking of David Moyes, but United have not been swayed by a groundswell of support for him to be given the job full-time.

Instead, Holland coach Van Gaal is set to be appointed before he leaves for a 10-day World Cup training camp in Hoenderloo next week, and Giggs met Woodward at Carrington on Monday to discuss how he would fit into the new regime.

Looking to the future: Ryan Giggs has held talks with United chief executive Ed Woodward

United will consider offering him a one-year playing contract at the age of 40 but have insisted all along that the new manager will not be forced to include the Old Trafford icon in his backroom team.

However, every effort will made to retain Giggs in some capacity – along with Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and, possibly, Phil Neville – to provide continuity at the club.

There is no guarantee that he would accept the offer of a reduced role following his brief taste of management. Giggs is known to have felt that his promotion to player-coach under Moyes was little more than a PR exercise, and would want a greater level of input and responsibility if he agreed to work under his successor.

Although United are relaxed over the
timescale for making an appointment, they are mindful of the mistakes
made last summer when Moyes’s relatively late start on July 1 preceded a
disappointing transfer window.

All all-Madrid Champions League final on
May 24 has effectively ruled out Real head coach Carlo Ancelotti and
Atletico boss Diego Simeone – two of the other names high on United’s
shortlist – and left the way open for Van Gaal.

Leap of faith: Two goals from Wayne Rooney helped United beat Norwich 4-0 in Giggs' first game in charge

Tough decision: Woodward delivered the news to David Moyes that he was sacked as United manager

The 62-year-old is expected to present his plans to Old Trafford chiefs early next week and discuss United’s transfer targets. Sources say they will not alter dramatically following the change of management, but Van Gaal is bound to have his own thoughts on the matter.

He is
expected to rubberstamp plans to bid for Bayern Munich midfielder Toni
Kroos, Borussia Dortmund duo Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, as well as
Southampton left back Luke Shaw, and it would be a surprise if he did
not add a couple of Dutch targets to the list.

With
Holland captain Robin van Persie more likely to stay at Old Trafford if
his compatriot and close ally takes over as manager, it remains to be
seen if United pursue their interest in Paris Saint-Germain striker
Edinson Cavani.

Incoming? Louis van Gaal is edging closer to becoming the new United manager